The published works of David N. Baker for solo saxophone and ensemble
Abstract
David Baker has contributed significant works to the saxophone literature. A performing
artist or an arts organization has commissioned each work. Five of these works are currently
published. Baker compositions use a range on traditional and contemporary elements in both the
jazz and classical styles of music. The traditional elements include the concerto form, orchestral
writing, references to popular jazz works, and improvisation based on jazz harmony.
Contemporary elements include improvisation based on extended techniques and chromatic and
polytonal harmonic writing. These works require a thorough knowledge of traditional jazz and
classical styles as well as contemporary trends in both of these fields. A document examining
these works for saxophone will be a valuable aid and resource for performers wishing to
approach these compositions.
The organizational format of this document is divided into seven chapters: I
“Organizational Plan and Review of Literature,” II “Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and
Orchestra (1987),” III “Ellingtones (1987/1988),” IV “Faces of the Blues: a Fantasy for Alto
Saxophone and Saxophone Quartet (1988),” V “Alto Saxophone Concerto (1989/2004),” VI
“Parallel Planes (1993),” VII “Conclusions.” The final chapter “Conclusions” contains a
summation of conclusions pertaining to the compositions discussed in this document and
suggests areas for further study. There is a full Bibliography, a list of the addresses of Baker’s
publishers, a Discography of Baker’s works for Saxophone, and a list of other selected
compositions by Baker.
URI
http://purl.galileo.usg.edu/uga_etd/gilley_marcus_r_200908_dmahttp://hdl.handle.net/10724/25806